NIR Airglow Investigation of Latitudinal and Seasonal Variations of the Chemistry and Dynamics of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

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The atmosphere in regions above about 80km altitude is irradiated with energetic ultraviolet photons during the daytime, and by energetic electrons and positive ions during the night in the auroral zone. As a consequence, many molecules and atoms receive enough energy to cause them to emit light, not only immediately, but sometimes hours later, as molecules that have been split up into atoms or into charges ionic fragments eventually recombine. Study of this emitted light reveals much information on the composition, energy inputs, dynamics and temperature of the region. The spectrum of airglow and auroral emission extends far into the infrared, and much can be learned from measurements in that region that is not contained in the visible region. New technology has now been incorporated into instruments for that region, in the form of a Michelson Interferometer. The development of such a system is a high priority for the CEDAR program, and this award is for a joint effort by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in conjunction with Utah State University to provide it. Observations will be made of airglow in Utah and aurora in Svalbad and the portable and user-friendly system will be available for use in many places by the aeronomy community.